Specially elected MPs and cabinet elected from MPs?
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
’ There were 12 University graduates in 1965 when Bechuanaland ventured into pre-independence general elections. That was why virtually all the four specially elected MPs of British origin were roped into the cabinet. The appointment of Cabinet ministers from MPs was inherited from the British Parliament the departing institutional colonial parent.
The Eleventh Botswana Parliament is far removed from the First Parliament. A big majority of elected MPs are University graduates, for which the era should rebuke us sternly for perpetuating an obsolete tradition. Another consideration for specially elected MPs was these MPs were so elected to represent special interest minority groups. This has not happened and it’s not about to happen. Why then do we continue to have an irrelevant and outdated provision in our constitution? Why is the provision catering for the ruling party alone in a multiparty democracy?
The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...